Australia to Auckland

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Hello again
We said goodbye to Australia yesterday and arrived here in Auckland after good flights from Whitsunday Islands via Brisbane
We left in temperature of 30' and arrived in Auckland just after midnight - 3 hrs time difference forward - with only 9' outside
Might not see much use for the shorts and t shirts for the next few days!
We had a fantastic time in the Whitsunday Islands
On wednesday we joined the Pacific Sunrise with 14 others for 3 days sailing around the islands
A mix of english german and one australian. We all got on well and there was a really good friendly atmosphere on board.
the crew were great - really laid back but good at their jobs
The weather was looking to get windy on thursday night so the captain took us to Whitehaven Beach and the lookout on thursday and then on friday we went to 3 bays for scuba diving and snorkelling
I did my first scuba dives and it was the best day of the holiday so far
I was the only one on the second dive and so Emma the instructor let me go more or less where I wanted but she kept with me and a close eye on things
we went down to just over 12m but there is no concept of depth apart from having to sort out pressure equalization across the ears
The coral and the fish were really clourful and we saw lots of different fish usually only seen at home in aquariums
Everyone on board said what a fantastic time we'd had and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to have a relaxing few days and see the Barrier Reef
On saturday we had a quiet day at Airlie Beach staying at Whitsunday Moorings a B&B run by Peter. It's on the hill overlooking the marina and beach. breakfast outside the bedroom on the patio with the lorikeets and bush turkeys around.
Libby picked us up at 1pm and took us out to the airport at Proserpine for the flights here.
Thank Libby and Bob for all the arrangements you made and the pick up and drop off
If anyone wants help with bookings etc in the Whitsunday area you won't get a better service than Libby and Bob at www.whitsundayaccommodation.net
Libby picked us up from Hamilton Island ferry and took us to the marina and on our return met us to take us to the B&B, all as part of their service. Libby's email is [e-mail]
So we're now in Auckland and I'm at the Colposcopy conference for the next few days and then we move on to Bay of Islands and Northland
Bye for now and best wishes to all
Derek and Joan

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Photos

Barron Falls
Atherton tablelands on way from Port douglas to Cairns

On the balcony
Reef View Hotel Hamilton Island

Skippy
Hiding in the trees - a bit blurred!!

Pacific Sunrise
Enjoying the high life in the Whitsundays

Pacific Sunrise
Sunset the first evening

Comments

[claire]

toads
How brave is mum, shame you were joint last. Glad you're both enjoying your holiday. Love Claire xox